The road to 26.2: Pink will show support of mom

MIKE HORN

Published Saturday, September 16, 2006

I can't remember ever wearing the color pink. No, wearing my 2-year old daughter's pink princess tiara with matching feather boa does not count. Hey, it was either wear that frilly ensemble or get out of my chair and dance to the latest "Cheetah Girls" single playing on Disney Radio.

Today I'm announcing that I will be wearing pink in Jacksonville on Oct. 21. But I will be making more than a fashion statement that day; I will be demonstrating my support for my mother.

Earlier this year my Mom, Mary, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Last week she completed her eighth and final chemo session and will soon begin radiation therapy. She is expected to make a full recovery and will join the two-million plus breast cancer survivors living in America today.

At times throughout her recovery my Mom was physically and mentally drained but she amazingly maintained her caring attitude and never-ending smile. My Dad and I are handling the situation the only way we know how, by acting like complete morons and interjecting humor whenever possible.

Mom, I still claim that I was protecting you when I attacked the wig you laid out on the bed. From my perspective it looked just like a wolverine.

Because this disease is so prevalent I am sure many of you are somewhat familiar with breast cancer, but if you were like me your knowledge of the disease is lacking. Here are a few alarming statistics:

Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 59.

Over 40,000 women and about 460 men will die from breast cancer this year.

If every woman over 50 got a yearly mammogram, mortality rates would decrease 30 percent.

( www.komen.org and www.nationalbreastcancer.org were used as references for these statistics)

The great news is that if breast cancer is found early the five-year survival rate is 96 percent. There are many websites, clinics and support groups out there so please utilize these resources and educate yourselves!

As I mentioned, on Oct. 21 I will be wearing something pink but I won't be alone. Along with my Mom, Dad and many family members we will be walking in the "Race for the Cure" 5K.

There is also a 2K event that day so walkers and runners of all abilities have no excuse not to participate! It's a "win-win" event. You'll be getting healthier while supporting a great cause.

To register or to get more information on this event please type the following address into your web browser: 1stplacesports.com/cure.htm

If you decide to participate feel free to join "Team Mary" and walk with us! Oh, and now you guys have an excuse to wear that pink running outfit you have stashed in your drawers. Or, is that just me?